Water hardness in Hilden
11 °dH very hard
Tap water in Hilden is very hard: 11 °dH (196 mg/L · 11.5 gpg · 19.6 °fH).
Source: Stadtwerke Hilden Trinkwasser-Analysewerte 2025 (PDF) (2025) · data checked 2026-10-20
Stadtwerke Hilden's 2025 analysis reports 196.4 mg/L CaCO₃ for Hilden, which is very hard. The figure comes from the local utility's own drinking-water values. Scale on kettles and shower fittings is the most visible result.
German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 11 °dH |
|---|---|
| Utility | Stadtwerke Hilden GmbH |
How Hilden compares
- Tap water in Hilden is close to the median of the 809 cities we track in Germany (11.5 °dH).
- By hardness it ranks 435 of 809 in Germany (1 = hardest); 46 % of these cities have softer water.
- In Nordrhein-Westfalen it is number 86 of 153 cities; the regional median is 11.3 °dH.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Haan, 5 km away (5.4 °dH).
- Nearest city with clearly harder water: Mettmann, 9 km away (15 °dH).
Ranking of the hardest and softest water in Germany →
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Hilden
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H03 |
| Miele | 11 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 3 |
| Beko | 3rd |
| Hoover | S2 |
| LG | H2 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Hilden water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 196 mg/L as CaCO₃ (11.5 gpg, 11 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Hilden safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. German law (WRMG) uses 3 bands: soft < 8.4 °dH, medium 8.4–14 °dH, hard > 14 °dH.
How many grains per gallon is Hilden water?
11.5 gpg, equal to 11 °dH, 19.6 °fH or 196 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Hilden?
For 196 mg/L (11 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Hilden?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Stadtwerke Hilden Trinkwasser-Analysewerte 2025 (PDF) (2025). Method: figure published by the water supplier. Stadtwerke Hilden Trinkwasser-Analysewerte 2025 (PDF) · Outdated figure? Tell us